What Do You Need To Have Ready Before Meeting With Your Tax Preparer?

Most likely your tax preparer will provide you with an organizer to help you gather documents and get them in order for your appointment. Review the first few pages and make sure they have the correct personal information for you including your birthdate, address and phone number. You will want to bring the following items with you to your appointment:

A copy of your prior year tax return, if you the tax preparer did not prepare it

Form(s) W-2 (wages, etc.)

Form(s) 1099 (interest, dividends, etc.)

Schedule(s) K-1 (income/loss from partnerships, S corporations, etc.)

Form(s) 1098 (mortgage interest) and property tax statements

Brokerage statements from stock, bond or other investment transactions

Closing statements pertaining to real estate transactions

All other supporting documents including schedules of income and expenses for sole proprietorships and rental properties

Any tax notices received from the IRS or other taxing authorities

Another thing to remember is that if you are doing anything throughout the year that may have tax consequences including gifting funds, selling stock, selling real estate, etc. you should consult with your tax preparer prior to completing any transactions. This will help to avoid any unforeseen tax liabilities, penalties and interest.